Portsmouth, Southampton and Plymouth, UK | November 13, 2025 – SeaBot Maritime is expanding its industry-leading maritime autonomy training programmes into South West England through a new strategic partnership with the University of Plymouth. The expansion marks a significant milestone, strengthening the network of autonomous maritime professionals across the UK by connecting two of the nation’s most dynamic maritime innovation hubs.
SeaBot Maritime, an international leader in Flag State-recognised Remote USV Operator training, has previously established a strong foundation across the Solent region through successful collaboration with the National Oceanography Centre, University of Southampton, the Royal Navy, and the Royal Marines.
Strategic Collaboration Across Three Key Pillars
The new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between SeaBot Maritime and the University of Plymouth officially launches a strategic partnership focused on advancing innovation, research, and skills development in marine autonomy.
The collaboration is built upon three key pillars:
- Developing and delivering innovative training programmes.
- Advancing research in autonomous maritime systems.
- Preparing the future workforce to lead in the use of intelligent maritime technologies.
This partnership combines SeaBot Maritime’s industry-leading expertise in maritime skills development with the University of Plymouth’s world-class research and educational capabilities. The University’s leadership in the field has helped its home city achieve UK Government recognition as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy.
Enhancing Training and Certification
Under the new MoU, the organisations will:
- Co-design and deliver both existing and new courses, utilising the University’s world-class facilities.
- Create additional learning modules and co-design new, jointly branded programmes.
- Train University staff to deliver SeaBot Maritime courses, ensuring delivery consistency.
- Explore joint funding opportunities to support training posts and collaborative projects.
- Collaborate on developing standards for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
- Integrate SeaBot Maritime’s MASS Remote Operator Certification into the University’s course portfolio.
Looking ahead, the partnership has the potential to develop a dedicated future skills training centre for marine autonomy, specifically aimed at supporting the growing demand for specialist expertise in this rapidly evolving sector. Courses are scheduled to commence in Plymouth in 2026.
Fostering Research and Global Impact
The MoU also sets the stage for extensive collaborative research and funding initiatives at both national and international levels. The joint effort aims to:
- Advance both academic and industry knowledge.
- Inform the global maritime community on best practices and standards.
- Open new avenues for commercial collaboration in the UK and abroad.
Both organisations are committed to pursuing additional initiatives that foster innovation, skills development, and excellence in training and research.
Empowering the Next Generation: Leadership View
Gordon Meadow, CEO of SeaBot Maritime, commented on the significance of the agreement:
“Signing this MOU with the University of Plymouth marks a pivotal moment for the future of maritime autonomy in the UK. Having already built a strong foundation across the Solent region, this expansion to the South West enables us to connect two of the UK’s most dynamic maritime innovation hubs. By opening access to our Remote USV Operator Training from Plymouth in 2026, we are creating a direct pathway for the next generation of operators, engineers and technologists to build the skills our sector urgently needs. This partnership is about more than training; it is about empowering a workforce that will lead the UK’s transition into safe, intelligent and uncrewed maritime operations.”
Chris Fogwill, Executive Dean for Science and Engineering at the University of Plymouth, added:
“We are delighted to formalise this partnership with SeaBot Maritime that both reflects and further strengthens Plymouth’s status as the UK Government’s designated National Centre for Marine Autonomy, with our University as the higher educational institution at the heart of it. Our work will drive innovation in autonomous and remote vessel operations while ensuring students and professionals gain cutting-edge skills that meet industry needs.”
The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and future skills excellence, reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in autonomous and AI-enabled maritime technologies.
About the University of Plymouth
Plymouth is an ambitious, modern and award-winning university. It prides itself on providing outstanding opportunities and experiences for its students and staff, while all its activities are designed to have a positive impact on people and the planet. Awarded triple gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, the University is the UK’s leading provider of courses including Dentistry and Marketing, is home to the largest cohort of marine science students in the UK, and is the largest provider of healthcare training in the South West.
The University played a crucial role in Plymouth’s designation as the National Centre for Marine Autonomy, is driving innovations designed to protect national security, and is pioneering ways of providing sustainable sources of everything from food to clean energy.
About SeaBot Maritime
SeaBot Maritime is a specialist provider of maritime learning solutions, designing digital experiences that scale. A global leader in training and workforce development for uncrewed, autonomous, and remote maritime operations, the company combines human-centred innovation with deep operational expertise. SeaBot Maritime equips defence, commercial, and government clients with the skills and systems needed to thrive in the era of intelligent and AI-enabled vessels. From training design to competency management using simulation, SeaBot Maritime delivers practical, future-focused solutions that enable people and technology to work as one.
Source: SeaBot Maritime